Page 606 - EMMA

Emma

Mrs. Weston was looking so ill, and had an air of so
much perturbation, that Emma’s uneasiness increased; and
the moment they were alone, she eagerly said,
‘What is it my dear friend? Something of a very

unpleasant nature, I find, has occurred;—do let me know
directly what it is. I have been walking all this way in
complete suspense. We both abhor suspense. Do not let
mine continue longer. It will do you good to speak of
your distress, whatever it may be.’
‘Have you indeed no idea?’ said Mrs. Weston in a
trembling voice. ‘Cannot you, my dear Emma—cannot
you form a guess as to what you are to hear?’
‘So far as that it relates to Mr. Frank Churchill, I do
guess.’
‘You are right. It does relate to him, and I will tell you
directly;’ (resuming her work, and seeming resolved
against looking up.) ‘He has been here this very morning,
on a most extraordinary errand. It is impossible to express
our surprize. He came to speak to his father on a
subject,—to announce an attachment—‘
She stopped to breathe. Emma thought first of herself,
and then of Harriet.
‘More than an attachment, indeed,’ resumed Mrs.
Weston; ‘an engagement— a positive engagement.—What

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